During the Seven Years

Chapter 28

I take a few steadying breaths, wiping the last of my tears away as I brace myself. Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear are just outside—if I can get my keys back, I'll have a fighting chance. But with the chains binding me, I'll have to use my wits to turn the tables.

The heavy footsteps approach once more, the leader returning just as I'd hoped. I let my shoulders slump and fix my gaze on the cold stone floor, trying to look as defeated as possible.

"Well, well," he sneers as he steps into the cell. "Have we finally realized how pointless it is to resist?"

I don't answer, keeping my voice low and wavering. "You were right. Without my spirits, I'm just... powerless. There's no point in fighting anymore."

A glint of satisfaction lights his eyes, and he steps closer, drawing my keys from his pocket and letting them dangle in front of me. "Admitting defeat so soon? I expected more from Fairy Tail."

I let out a shaky sigh, glancing at the keys with feigned resignation. "What does it matter? My guildmates aren't here. They probably don't even know I've been taken..."

He smirks, clearly taking the bait, and steps even closer. "It's good you finally understand your situation. But you know," he says, his voice softening to an almost mocking whisper, "if you had these..." he holds the keys just inches from my face, "maybe you'd stand a chance. Too bad you'll never—"

I don't wait for him to finish. This close to my keys, I feel a strange pull—an unexplainable connection that thrums through me, far stronger than I've ever felt before. The bond with my spirits pulses inside, my magic tugging me toward them. I close my eyes and move closer to them, focusing with every ounce of strength I have.

A surge of power floods me, and the air crackles with energy. Before I fully understand what's happening, the magic bursts out in a flash of light, launching the leader backward. He stumbles, the keys slipping from his grip and clattering to the ground just a foot away.

I gasp, struggling to move forward, my arms still bound tight. Almost there. I stretch my fingers desperately, inching closer until—

"Miss Lucy." A familiar voice chimes softly beside me, and I look up to see Virgo standing there, her pink hair framing her calm expression. "You summoned me."

I stare, momentarily stunned. "I... I summoned you?" I echo, hardly believing it myself.

She nods, smiling slightly as she steps forward, her hands moving gracefully to break the chains binding my wrists. With a soft click, the shackles fall to the floor. "It appears your bond with us has grown," Virgo explains calmly. "Now, please retrieve your keys."

With Virgo's help, I quickly grab my keyring, the cold metal a comforting weight in my hand. Relief floods over me, followed by a wave of determination. I can do this.

"Thank you, Virgo," I murmur, the warmth of our connection grounding me as I clutch my keys tight. "Let's get out of here."

I take a deep breath, focusing on Jellal and the others' presence outside. Jellal, I have my keys back, I think, hoping he can sense me through his telepathy.

Lucy, I knew you'd manage, Meredy's voice joins, full of confidence. Meet us upstairs when you're ready. Ultear and I will cover you.

Virgo steps back, ready for my command, and I smile, the last traces of doubt vanishing. "Let's go, Virgo."

With one final glance at the leader, I stride out of the cell, my celestial keys firmly in hand, with Virgo by my side.